A Week Sailing Between Bali and Labuan Bajo
Sailing from Bali to Labuan Bajo is the sweet spot where adventure meets afternoon naps, coral reefs compete with volcano views, and dolphins occasionally crash your morning coffee. I’ve done this route more times than I can count, and every single trip still feels like a highlight reel of Indonesia’s greatest hits, minus the crowds and with way better snacks.
This 7-day sailing itinerary is what I usually follow when I guide guests from Bali to Labuan Bajo, with just the right mix of snorkeling, island-hopping, wildlife encounters, and the occasional “is this real life?” moment. If you’re wondering where exactly we stop, what to expect each day, and why I never get bored of this route, here’s a day-by-day breakdown from someone who’s actually lived it (and has the sandal tan lines to prove it).
Day 1: Bali to Gili – Let the Journey Begin
We set off from Bali and head east. By late afternoon, we're anchored near one of the quieter Gilis, Gili Asahan or Gili Gede are my usual picks. The mood instantly shifts once you leave Bali’s buzz behind.
Guests usually dive in right after lunch. Snorkeling here is chill, the water’s bathtub-warm, and the sunset? Let’s just say it’s your first “how-is-this-real” moment of the trip.
Highlights:
Clear waters and gentle currents
Sunset drinks on deck with the occasional dolphin cameo
That first deep exhale after a travel day
Day 2: Kenawa & Bungin – A Little Bit Wild, A Little Bit Weird
Kenawa Island is a tiny, uninhabited spot just off Sumbawa with a grassy hill in the middle and some of the clearest water I’ve seen. We usually hike to the top in the morning, it only takes 10–15 minutes, but the view? Ridiculous.
Later in the day, we swing by Bungin, also known as the most densely populated island in Indonesia. It’s fascinating and slightly mind-boggling, an entire village built on coral rubble, and no beach in sight. If guests are up for it, I like to arrange a visit with a local guide.
What makes it special:
Two completely opposite islands in one day
Kenawa’s silence vs. Bungin’s buzz
Super photogenic drone shots from above
Day 3: Whale Sharks in Saleh Bay + Satonda Crater Lake
This day is always a standout. We arrive at Saleh Bay early in the morning to (hopefully) swim with whale sharks. It’s not guaranteed, but when they’re there, it’s surreal, these massive, gentle creatures gliding right past you.
After the adrenaline wears off, we head to Satonda Island, which has a saltwater crater lake tucked into its center. There’s something magical about it, especially if we get there late afternoon when the light hits the trees just right.
Top moments:
Floating face-to-face with a whale shark (yes, it's safe!)
Hiking up to peek into Satonda’s lake
Learning about the island’s mystical “wishing tree”
Day 4: Sangeang Volcano & Banta Island – Black Sand & No Man’s Land
Sangeang is an active volcano that often lets out tiny puffs of smoke while we snorkel or dive nearby. The black sand here makes the coral colors pop like someone turned up the saturation.
In the afternoon, we move to Banta, a rugged, uninhabited island technically just outside the boundaries of Komodo National Park, but just as wild.
No villages, no signs, no rules, just you, the boat, and the silence.
Why it’s unforgettable:
Snorkeling with bubbling volcanic vents
Pristine reefs with zero other boats
That "we're truly off-grid now" feeling
Day 5: Padar Island & Manta Point – Big Views and Bigger Fish
We’re officially in Komodo National Park now, and the day kicks off early with a sunrise hike on Padar Island. The viewpoint is famous for a reason, three curved bays in different shades of sand, with rolling hills all around. It’s every drone pilot’s dream.
Later, we head to Manta Point. If the current’s right, guests can drift alongside these elegant giants as they swoop and swirl in shallow waters. I’ll be the one squealing through my snorkel every time they come close.
Unmissable moments:
That iconic Padar photo, yes, it lives up to the hype
Seeing mantas glide just beneath the surface
Guests claiming this was “the best day of their lives” (it happens often)
Day 6: Rinca, Siaba, and Kalong – Dragons, Turtles & Bat Skies
Rinca is the quieter cousin of Komodo Island, and often my go-to for seeing Komodo dragons without the crowds. A local ranger takes us for a walk (don’t worry, he’s got a stick), and we usually spot a few massive dragons doing their very slow, very intimidating thing.
Later, we snorkel at Siaba Besar, a turtle haven. It’s shallow, clear, and calm, perfect for a long float with these gentle creatures.
We end the day anchored near Kalong Island, where thousands of flying foxes erupt from the mangroves at sunset. It’s one of those moments that makes everyone go quiet.
Why I love this day:
Getting a little Jurassic Park thrill from the dragons
Siaba's turtle traffic jam
That sky full of bats that makes you whisper “whoa” without realizing
Day 7: Arrival in Labuan Bajo – Back to Civilization (Sort Of)
The last morning is always a little bittersweet. We pull into Labuan Bajo, where it’s time to pack up, say our goodbyes, and reintegrate with Wi-Fi and reality.
But by now, most guests feel like they’ve been gone for a lot longer than a week, in the best way. They leave sun-kissed, slightly salty, and already dreaming about doing it all over again.
Final thoughts:
Labuan Bajo’s growing fast but still has charm
Great coffee and cold beer waiting on land
Every farewell feels like the end of a dream sequence
A Few Practical Notes
Best time to sail: April to October for calmer seas
What to pack: Reef-safe sunscreen, rash guards, and your sense of wonder
Wi-Fi: You won’t miss it after day 2
Want to Sail This Route?
I’m always happy to help guests (or agents!) figure out if this itinerary suits them. It's best for people who love variety, each day offers something different, from active hikes to lazy snorkels and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters.
If you're curious, feel free to drop me a message. I’ve done this trip dozens of times, but I still get excited helping others experience it for the first time.
Thank you for reading and now back to happily roaming!